Chapter 4: Internet Versus Other VPNs

Chapter 4: Internet Versus Other VPNs

Overview

As we've mentioned earlier, there's more than one foundation, more than one shared public network, on which to build a VPN. The medium for VPNs that has received the most industry attention is the Internet. However, it is not the only solution, and it may not even be the best choice for your situation. While this book does concentrate on Internet-based VPNs, we want to take at least a brief look at the reasons for and against using a VPN built on switched backbones, such as public frame relay and ATM networks run by companies such as Sprint, GTE, AT&T, and others.

As we look at their advantages and disadvantages, bear in mind how these may apply to your own needs. We'll find that, while Internet VPNs offer what appear to be undeniable cost advantages, there are other issues to be considered. As we saw in Chapter 3 , these include security, reliability, and quality of service. On the other hand, there may be factors that make such a non?Internet-based VPN impractical for you.

4.1 Clearing Up Some Confusion

One of the big contributing factors to the confusion in the VPN industry is the way terminology is thrown around. For example, the term "the Internet" is used as if it were a single entity and as if it were the only place that the Internet protocols are used or where VPNs can be built. Then, too, "frame relay" and "ATM" are frequently...

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